Articles by Spencer Leech

Renault’s Alaskan pick-up is now on track for a 2020 launch, with the brand's local arm working through Australian Design Rule (ADR) changes before it can confirm an official release date.

Mercedes-AMG has revealed its new entry-level model, the A35 4Matic, which will make its public debut at the Paris motor show next month before hitting Aussie showrooms in the latter half of 2019.

Holden says there is room in the market for its two flagship Colorado variants, with the recently-released Z71 Xtreme and the HSV-fettled SportsCat designed to target different types of buyers.

Mitsubishi Motors has revealed a single teaser image of its updated Triton pick-up a little over three years after the launch of the current fifth-generation model.

Skoda Australia has introduced drive-away pricing for its slow-selling Fabia, with the Czech light car now ranging from $16,990 up to $26,990

BMW Group has outed its new Vision iNext concept, previewing the brand's first fully autonomous, zero-emissions vehicle that is set to hit the production line by 2021.

Kia Motors has revealed its Korean-market K3 five-door hatch, providing the best look yet at what to expect when the fourth-generation Cerato hatch hits Australian showrooms later this year.

International vehicle safety authorities are developing new United Nations regulations to govern anti-collision auto emergency braking (AEB) standards.

Renault Australia is working on importing a right-hand drive version of the Brazilian-built Oroch dual-cab ute, as long as the business case stacks up.

Mazda Australia has enhanced its ND MX-5 sports car range, bringing more power and torque as well as increased standard equipment.The lift comes at a cost though, with pricing up $750 across the line-up, which Mazda justifies by claiming between $1100-$1400 of extra gear has been poured into the updated vehicle.Four variants have been culled from the MX-5 range, including both automatic and manual 1.5-litre Roadster GT and 2.0-litre Roadster grades.As such, the range now starts at $34,190 plus on-road costs for the entry-level 1.5L Roadster with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, while the 2.0L Roadster GT is up to $41,960.In RF (Retractable Hardtop) guise, the drop-top sportster starts at $39,490 for the entry-spec 2.0L and tops out at $46,960 for the flagship 2.0L GT with a black roof.A six-speed automatic transmission is also available across the range, which adds $2000 to the sticker price in any case.Both engine offerings now boast increased power and torque outputs, with the 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G  now producing 135kW at 7000rpm and 205Nm at 4000rpm, a 17kW/5Nm lift.A range of changes were made to the engine, most notably, the addition of a dual-mass flywheel, which likely contributed to its increased redline which now sits at 7500rpm, up from 6800rpm.The 1.5-litre engine also got a nudge, albeit slightly, delivering an extra 1kW/2Nm to a total 97kW at 7000rpm and 152Nm at 4000rpm.Mazda has also included a standard reversing camera and a reach-adjustable steering wheel, both firsts for the MX-5 nameplate.Safety wise, the updated MX-5 gains an improved version of Mazda's 'i-Activesense' suite, now featuring 'Smart City Brake Support', traffic sign recognition, driver attention alert, while the GT grades are also treated to rear parking sensors.Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, power mirrors, automatic lights, rain-sensing wipers, climate control, air-conditioning, cruise control, black cloth trim, a 7.0-inch multimedia system, six speakers, sat-nav, a blind-spot monitor, tyre pressure monitor and a limited-slip differential (manual).Jumping up to the 2.0L Roadster GT adds 17-inch alloys, adaptive LED headlights, heated mirrors, leather trim, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, keyless entry, lane departure warning and LED daytime running lights.2019 Mazda MX-5 list pricingMazda MX-5 1.5L Roadster – manual – $34,190Mazda MX-5 1.5L Roadster – automatic – $36,190Mazda MX-5 2.0L Roadster GT – manual – $41,960Mazda MX-5 2.0L Roadster GT – automatic – $43,960Mazda MX-5 RF – manual – $39,400Mazda MX-5 RF – automatic – $41,400Mazda MX-5 RF GT – manual – $45,960Mazda MX-5 RF GT – automatic – $47,960Mazda MX-5 RF GT black roof – manual – $46,960Mazda MX-5 RF GT black roof – automatic – $48,960